You have to stay on your toes in politics. Anything could happen.
And now Trump was hit with a test result that completely blindsided him.
Republicans Gain Ground in Polls on Gun Policy, Crime
A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll indicates Republicans hold a 4-point lead over Democrats on gun policy and a 20-point advantage on crime, according to results released September 23.
The survey reflects shifting voter sentiment on Second Amendment issues, with Republicans maintaining a consistent edge in these areas.
In 2022, the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act passed with bipartisan support, prompting former President Joe Biden to direct the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives toward expanded background checks without new legislation. The measure also provided federal grants to states implementing red flag laws.
Gun Owners of America had cautioned Republican lawmakers against the bill, citing potential Second Amendment implications.
Post-passage, some Republican incumbents faced primary challenges from candidates emphasizing stricter adherence to gun rights positions.
Gun ownership demographics have broadened, with increased participation from diverse groups. Owners often cite self-defense and liberty as primary motivations, alongside recreational uses.
This year, Republicans repealed the $200 transfer tax on certain National Firearms Act-regulated items, including short-barreled rifles, shotguns, and suppressors.
The change reduces costs but leaves the items under federal oversight.
President Trump’s executive order on Protecting Second Amendment Rights instructed federal agencies to review and rescind regulations deemed infringing on gun ownership.
In Washington, D.C., the U.S. Attorney’s Office under Trump’s Justice Department ceased prosecuting individuals for carrying rifles, shotguns, or magazines exceeding certain capacities, citing constitutional concerns. The District has also accelerated concealed-carry permit processing.
The poll’s findings align with voter priorities on public safety, where Republicans lead by 20 points. Crime remains a top concern in national surveys.
The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act drew mixed reactions within the GOP, with some members defending it as a targeted response to mass shootings, while others viewed it as an overreach.
Trump’s administration has prioritized deregulation in firearms policy, including the D.C. changes, which apply in a jurisdiction with longstanding restrictions.
